The narrator demonstrates a simple trick to stay warm in cold winter conditions using just a candle and a blanket.
First, place a tarp, pad, or blanket on the ground so you don't sit directly on the snow. Sit against a tree if possible for comfort. Drape your wool blanket completely over yourself, then light a candle and place it between your legs under the blanket. Pull the blanket closed over the candle. This traps the candle's heat and warms up the inside of the blanket quickly.
The narrator acknowledges you may breathe some fume or smoke from the candle, but says it's worth it to avoid freezing. An old timer trick, they weren't concerned by smoke inhalation. The blanket warms up significantly in a short time just using a candle.
The narrator says with no wasted space from camera gear, the warming effect would be even better. This is an easy, effective cold weather survival trick using items most would have on hand. He recommends trying it yourself.
The narrator is stuck overnight in the Arid scablands where it is 24 degrees Fahrenheit. He has lost his bearings and it is getting dark, so he must build a shelter to survive the night without gear like a sleeping bag.
He gathers tool read or bull rush, a type of grass that bends under the weight of snow to form a natural shelter. He creates a small circular tunnel in a patch of the grass big enough to crawl into. It should be sized like a sleeping bag to preserve body heat.
He lines the tunnel with more gathered grass for insulation. Then he thatches the roof with bundled bull rush to block drafts and snow. He creates a makeshift door to help retain heat.
The narrator says this type of grass shelter, while simple to make, can keep someone alive overnight in freezing temperatures. He offers to demonstrate surviving 24 hours in a similar shelter if the video gets enough likes and comments.
Here is a condensed summary of the main points from the text:
The narrator drops himself into a snowstorm to test his survival skills and gear. He prepares navigation tools, warm layers, and an emergency pack. His waterproof jacket fails, getting soaked. He finds his year-old survival shelter, giving him warmth and respite. Inside, he dries clothes and makes water. The night is uncomfortable but he survives until morning.
Key points:
The narrator shares 24 tips for staying warm in cold weather based on his experience doing extreme cold weather camping with his wife and kids. Key tips include:
- Fill a hydration bladder with hot water or a hot drink and wear it under your clothes for portable warmth.
- Use adhesive body warmers on your body, gear, and phone battery to provide portable heat.
- Bring a hot water bottle to warm your sleeping bag at night or for cuddling by the fire.
- Get high quality down camping slippers and frequently change into dry socks to keep feet warm.
- Use a sleeping mat with a high R-value (6+ at 0°F) to insulate from the frozen ground.
- Size your sleeping bag properly and don't rely on the temperature rating - go 20°F or more below the expected low.
- Store insulating gear properly hung up and fluffy or it will lose warmth.
- Wear a balaclava for lightweight, versatile head/neck warmth.
He also recommends particular extreme cold weather brands like Feathered Friends, Baffin, Canada Goose, and Kovic for ultra warm specialized gear.
Here is a condensed summary of the main points from the text:
Fur garments are the most important item for winter survival and preparedness. Animal fur provides unparalleled warmth and durability compared to synthetic fabrics. The narrator interviews a lifelong fur trapper and designer to discuss the benefits of fur for survival situations.
The narrator compares a real fur mitten to an imitation fur mitten. The real fur is much warmer, more durable (lasting decades compared to a few years), and more water resistant. Real fur retains heat even when wet.
There are differences in fur quality and insulation. The narrator's preferred fur for warmth is fisher fur, which is related to wolverine fur. Raccoon fur is also very durable and warm.
Proper fur storage and care, like seasonal brushing, ensures longevity. Storing fur properly over summer prevents drying out. Putting fur near heat sources can damage it.
The trapper learned his skills by taking formal trapping courses. Trapping requires checking traps daily and using certified humane traps. Both hunting and trapping would be critical for wilderness survival.
The trapper recounts a near-death experience being stranded 45 miles from camp in -30°C temperatures. He and his friend walked for 37 hours to safety. Fur garments were essential to prevent freezing.
The narrator concludes that real fur is the most reliable material for harsh weather survival. He plans to join the trapper to learn trapping skills.